Former Feyenoord defender André Bahia training with Botafogo with a view to signing for next season

Former Feyenoord defender André Bahia is training with Botafogo after being without a club since leaving Turkish club Samsunspor at the end of last season, and it is looking likely that the player will sign on for the Rio giants for the 2013 season.

Bahia, 28, spent seven seasons in Rotterdam with Feyenoord after moving to the Netherlands from Flamengo where he was coach by current Botafogo boss Oswaldo de Oliveira. And Oliveira praised the experience the defender could bring to his young side but remained coy on whether a deal was in place..

He told Lancenet: "André comes in a at the moment to keep fit, because he is without a club at the moment. He is a player with experience and we will observe him. If it is appropriate, we will sign him for next year. Let's take our time, huh?"

During Bahia's time in Rotterdam he played 179 times for the club, wining the KNVB Cup in 2008.